Former Plymouth Argyle striker Ashley Barnes has emerged as a shock transfer target for Premier League champions Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

The Blues are determined to land a targetman-type of centre forward this January and have been linked with a number of players, including West Ham United’s Andy Carroll, Stoke’s Peter Crouch and Roma’s former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

A move for Carroll, who was believed to be top of the Blues’ wish-list, is unlikely to happen now after he suffered a hairline ankle fracture, which will force him out of action for the foreseeable future.

Now, it is believed manager Antonio Conte has turned his attention towards Burnley’s 28-year-old striker Barnes, who is having an excellent season for Sean Dyche’s side.

Ashley Barnes of Burnley celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Burnley at Etihad Stadium on January 6, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Bath-born Barnes started his career at Paulton Rovers and it was from there that Argyle took a punt on him after he impressed during a trial with the Pilgrims.

He was handed an 18-month contract, but failed to make the breakthrough and spent much of his time out on loan at Oxford United, Salisbury City, Eastbourne Borough and Torquay United.

However, it was on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion that Barnes’ career really took off as his four goals in eight appearances led to the Seagulls buying him permanently for an undisclosed fee.

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Barnes helped Brighton win promotion to the Championship in his first season at the Amex Stadium, scoring 20 goals in 49 appearances, and in total, he bagged 42 in 141 for the Seagulls before joining Burnley in January 2014 for a fee of around £450,000.

There, he has gone on to make 123 appearances, scoring 18 goals, but it is his hold up and link-up play that has impressed many, something Chelsea perhaps lack in their forward options.